C-Forum

After many years of C1 I've decided to buy on OC1. I followed the many recommendations of the board. Thanks because I only know kayakers and they don't help me with good advice. I got a Prelude. I really like that it comes outfitted, but what should I change in the factory outfitting? What about those holes where my knees go? They are big at the top and small at the bottom. I assume that I should cut the hole so that my knees are on the bottom of the boat. Is that correct? Any other ideas to improve it? Maybe a pump as it will be an adjustment to spend time bailing. Thanks.

Hi Bill
I know what its like trying to get the proper information I live in Scotland UK and i was lucky to find C Boats net Check out Craigs site Justkanuit on infitting if you have a read through the forum you will find quite a few Prelude paddlers willing to help let us Know how you get on
Cheers dave

Bill,

You can find the information here through the "outfitting" page. Sir Adam has linked it in under this page. Hope it's helpful. Enjoy your new boat!

Craig

I found exactly the same problem with the knee holes in my prelude, and much as I played around with them I couldn't work out how anyone with normal shaped legs could fit their legs into a normal position. I paddles a superyfly before the prelude, and the factory outfitting was very comfortable.
I ended up swapping the knee holes over so the holes were wider apart, then attacking them with a bread saw. I ended up removing quite a lot of foam, but I am still very snug in the boat.
My first paddle was on the Sanna in Austria (a good grade 4), and I had a bit of an issue with being stuck in the boat, so I was repeatedly stopping and attacking the outfitting with my rescue knife. I would definately recommend a river you are very comfortable with until you are happy with the outfitting.

jon l